In the October curriculum, our scholars focused on self-expression, which is an essential part of Social and Emotional Development. Partners in the Metanoia Youth Leadership Academy virtual program explored ways to express themselves and use their voices. One form of self-expression we explored was advocacy. Scholars grades 3rd - 12th learned ways to advocate for others and themselves and builds self-awareness.
Middle and high school scholars learned about #standwithJennifer, and explored advocacy through the movement that was brought to light earlier this year. Scholars learned the skills of a good journalist, and they used the learned skills to interview advocate Anthony "F.L.O.W." Herron. Find the interview below.
In an act of just doing the right thing Anthony, known as F.L.O.W. on Twitter, committed to protecting Jennifer McLeggan's home, a nurse in Queens, N.Y. after 3 years of harassment, for 90 consecutive nights. Scholars were able to interview F.L.O.W. via Zoom to learn more about the story and put those skills into action.
Anthony spoke passionately to the scholars stating,
" We don't take threats seriously, but we take physical harm seriously. We can't wait for CNN, NBC, News Day, or other media outlets to break these stories. This is our community. We should be the first ones talk about it"
Scholars were charged to use their voices and social media to bring awareness to stories the media does not cover. When asked about igniting movements Anthony stated,
" You have to be active. I think this is why this story took off and I do not believe in performative. There are different ways to be active. If you want to make things to take off you have to be active. I'm not an activist, I'm just active"
Our Scholars just added journalists to their resume and we love it! Learn more about the story and ask yourself would you stand with Jennifer?
Find the full interview below with questions from our scholars to F.L.O.W.
Q: Did you ever consider confronting the neighbors?
A: "When I found out everything they were doing the last thing I wanted to do was to talk. I kept saying to myself the last thing I want to do was to mess up this case and I had to realize It's not about me."
Q: Did you ask Ms. Jennifer how she felt and what did you learn from Ms. Jennifer while doing this?
A: "She was at the breaking point when we met. She told me that this was it being strong and not moving out of fear. She worked hard to provide a home to her daughter. She taught me about strength and me seeing her be strong made me want to be 10 times stronger."
Q: Were there days you wanted to give up?
A: "We did 90 days and for whatever reason the last Tuesday I kept saying to myself I wanna go home lol. I started to feel tired. I started to be physically out of shape, mentally out of shape, and I was tired. I'm seeking therapy for my mental health as well. I just kept telling myself it's over Friday just hold on until Friday"
Q: In your opinion what will it take to make #protectblackwomen more than just a hashtag.
A: "By not just making it a hashtag. I think this is why this story took off, and I do not believe in performative. There are different ways to be active. If you want to make things take off you have to be active. I'm not an activist, I'm just active."
Q: You're not doing this for clout. What words of wisdom can you leave for our scholars?
A: You are in a position that you can make an act of change now by using your social media platform. Yeah, you cannot vote but you can bring awareness to stories like these. So if I would say anything it would be to do it now!".
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